Remember the Dead and Fight for the Living

International Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2011 – Remember the Dead and Fight for the Living

At 12 midday on Thursday 28 April UNISON members across the North West, plus many others across the UK, will take part in a minutes’ silence on International Workers Memorial Day.

Remember the Dead and Fight for the Living: During that minute we will remember those members and workers injured, made ill, or killed by their work.

It is estimated that work incidents cause up to 1,600 deaths each year; including deaths to members of the public, work-related suicide, and road traffic accidents whilst driving for work. On top of this, it is estimated that there are up to 50,000 deaths from work-related illnesses; including cancers, respiratory illnesses, and heart disease.

International Workers Memorial Day is a time to remember those killed, made ill, or injured by their own, or someone else’s work. Their pain and suffering and that of their families, deserves not to be forgotten. We also renew our commitment to, and demand once more, safe and healthy work for all.

Nick Green, Chair of UNISON North West Regional Health and Safety Committee said. “It’s more important than ever to highlight the sacrifices made by workers, particularly as we are aware of the ConDem Government’s plans to water down existing Health and Safety regulations. This will have the inevitable consequence of increasing incidence of injuries and deaths from work activities. This year we must fight even harder as the protection of workers is under attack as never before and tell the government that “We didn’t vote to die at work.”